STORY TO BE TOLD

Classic Penang favourites

By CHRISTINA LOW
christinalow@thestar.com.my
Photos by DALILAH NADIAH

MAYA BRASSERIE
Hotel Maya 138, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel:03-2711 8866 ext. 258

MAYA Brasserie brings chef Abdul Kashi Mydin to the restaurant this Ramadan, sharing his popular Nasi Kandar delights which the 72-year-old is known for.

Abdul Kashi said he started off selling Nasi Kandar back in Penang after completing his Form Five exams.

Goodness in a pot: Ikan Pari Pedas Batang Keladi is a must-have traditional dish.

“I followed my uncle who used to carry the pots with the help of a pole balanced on his shoulders.

“We would walk for 15 minutes out to the town to sell in front of a coffee shop,” said Abdul Kashi who is currently overseeing the chefs at Hotel Maya this month.

He added that his uncle would usually prepare Curry Fish Head, Mutton Curry, Fish Curry and Daging Masak Hitam for his customers.

Creamy starter: Try the Mamak Lamb Soup served with warm bread.

“We put in a lot of effort in preparing but within an hour everything is sold,” said Abdul Kashi who is grooming his son to be a full-fledged chef with his Nasi Kandar recipes.

At the buka puasa buffet line, patrons will be able to find Ayam Kari Kandar Penang, Kari Kepala Ikan Merah, Kambing Masala, Daging Beriani, Ketam Sambal and Udang Galah Sambal.

At the live action stalls, patrons can place their orders for fried crabs, squids, fish roe and chicken.

Hot off the stove: Crab, squid and chicken deep-fried a la-minute when an order is made.

For dessert, there is a mix of modern and traditional delights such as Serawa Durian and Pulut Kukus, Tapai Pulut, Tapai Ubi, Durian Cake, Haagen Daz ice-cream and tiramisu cakes.

The Ramadan buffet is available till Sept 9 from 6.45pm to 10.30pm. Priced at RM80++ (Adult) and half price for children aged between five and 12 years old.

The hotel also caters for private functions with various selection of Ramadan menu and menu price ranges from RM80 to RM120 per person.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/

A melting pot of dishes

By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my

MELTING POT CAFE,
Ground Floor, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur,
2, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2144 2200 ext 2337
Business hours: Buffet dinner from 7pm-10.30pm.

BE spoilt for choice with the selection of Ramadan offerings at Melting Pot Cafe, Concorde.

Concorde Malay chef Abbas Ali prepares his specialities. Among the highlights are the Gearbox Soup, Ikan Merah Panggang Percik Madu, and Stuffed Whole Lamb with Briyani Rice.

There are four rotating buffet menus but some of the food items such as teppanyaki and seafood-on-ice are available daily.

Delicious: Stuffed whole lamb with Briyani rice.

The grilled salmon and chicken we sampled from the teppanyaki corner had us going back for seconds.

My colleague who tried the seafood was pleased with its freshness.

For salads, take your pick from a wide selection of cold salads such as Crab Salad with Green Mango, Shrimp, Rice Noodle Salad, Kerabu Pucuk Ubi, Thai Papaya Salad, Thai Mango Salad, Paru Goreng Sambal and more.

For main course, kampung style dishes include Ayam Kerisik Daun Limau, Pucuk Manis Lemak Keledek, Ayam Rendang, Pucuk Ubi, Udang Sambal Petai and Siput Sedut Masak Pedas.

Slurp it up: Siput Sedut Masak Pedas to go with rice.

Other local delights include Otak-otak Daun Nipah, Satay, Roti John, Murtabak, Roti Jala and Mee Mamak.

Malay cuisine makes up 80% of the dishes served and other cuisines include Western, Japanese and Chinese.

My personal favourites are Crispy Chicken with Thai Chili Sauce and Roast Chicken Breast with Mixed Beans, which is something different from your usual roast chicken.

Mouthwatering desserts include cakes, verrine (confections served in small glass), French pastries, ice-cream, Ais Kacang, Bubur Pulut Hitam, Nyonya Kuih and Tau Foo Fah.

Sweet treats: Be spoilt with the variety of desserts.

There is also a variety of dim sum, pickles, chips and dried fruits.

For entertainment, resident band Begema 5 will perform from 8.20pm to 2.30am.

You can opt to sit by the window to enjoy the street scenes of Jalan Sultan Ismail as you break fast.

The Variasi Ramadan promotion is priced at RM89++ per person.

Melting Pot Cafe is offering a 20% discount during the first week and the last three days of the holy month.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/

Red snappers in signature curry

By LIM CHIA YING
chiaying@thestar.com.my

The 39 Restaurant,
39th floor, PNB Darby Park,
10 Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7490 3939
Business Hours: Noon to 2.30pm,
6.30pm to 10.30pm. Closed on Sundays
and public holidays.

THE curry fish head is a staple dish at The 39 Restaurant for Ramadan each year.

Hotel executive sous chef Ard Abdul Aziz said the dish had become the kitchen’s signature over the years.

He said the fish head was a must-try as it was cooked with the right mix of ingredients, which was key to making the dish different.

“We use red snappers as the flesh of which is tender and does not disintegrate easily.

Highly recommended: The fish head curry is a must-have for guests, says Chef Ard.

“The curry is cooked for two hours with ingredients blended from scratch and the recipe is from Penang,” he said.

Ard said freshly squeezed coconut milk was added to thicken the curry.

He recommended the fish head to be eaten with bread.

The curry fish head is part of the 1Malaysia Ramadan buffet that ends on Sept 6.

There are four menus on rotation for this buffet. The 1Malaysia connotation is to indicate the multi-racial aspects of the food spread.

Among items on the buffet line are Fresh Grilled Fish and Seafood, Arabian Whole Lamb with Rosemary Sauce and Mint, Fresh Oysters, Kambing Briyani Tok Hak, Deepfried Seabass Tiga Rasa, Ketam Masak Lemak Cili Api, Udang Sambal Petai and Ayam Masak Lemak Nangka.

Desserts include Pengat Pisang and varieties of Bubur, which Ard said were not overly sweet and would suit all taste buds.

Meat of the bones: Chef Ard cutting a whole lamb which is one of the main highlights for the buffet.

“We also serve eight types of soup,” he said.

Guests have the option to dine indoor or outdoors. An in-house band ‘Amethyst’ will be performing to entertain guests as they dine.

The buffet is priced at RM99++ (adult) and RM69++ for children aged below 12.

Alternatively, guests can also dine at the PNB Darby Cafe located on the first floor.

Among the featured items in the cafe are Sup Rusa, Ayam Masak Merah Bermadu, Asparagus Belacan, Kambing Marsala, Chee Cheong Fun and a fusion of Malay-Western dishes like Serunding Lasagna and Seafood Macaroni.

This buffet line is priced at RM65++ and RM35++ for adults and children respectively.

The hotel is also donating RM1 from each Ramadan buffet purchased to a selected charity home.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/

Where to eat

Compiled by ESTHER CHANDRAN

Laksa sedap

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa rolls out a delicious assortment of local specialty Laksa Sedap to coincide with Merdeka on Aug 31.

Drawing together variations of the spicy noodle dish from the different states in Malaysia, the kitchen brigade at Sun & Surf Cafe and Pyramid Tower Hotel’s Atrium Cafe concocts the spicy noodle dish right before your eyes at action stations within the restaurants’ buffet hi-tea spreads.

Renowned in the north-eastern state of Peninsular Malaysia, Laksa Kelantan is rich in flavour and distinctively creamy.

Laksa Johor is a southern favourite prepared with mackerel and a generous amount of coconut milk with ingredients like cucumber, bean sprouts, mint leaves, onions and dried prawns, accompanied by spiced shrimp paste and kalamansi lime on the side.

The use of tamarind in Laksa Penang or Assam Laksa gives this dish its sour appeal.

The fish-based broth made with boiled mackerel flakes, lemon grass, galangal and chilli is truly an irresistible combination.

Laksa Kedah is characterised by its thick fish gravy as a result of blending the fish meat.

The mouth-watering Laksa Sarawak is made from spiced shrimp paste and rice vermicelli.

Other ingredients flavouring the dish are tamarind, garlic, galangal, lemon grass and coconut milk, topped with omelette strips, chicken slices, prawns and lime.

Served from noon to 4pm, Sun & Surf Cafe’s International Buffet Hi-Tea is priced at RM60++ per adult, while Atrium Café serves up its Pan-Asian Buffet Hi-Tea at RM55++ per adult. Children dine at 50% off at the restaurants. For reservations, call 03-7495 1888.

Express Set Lunch

Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences’ invites diners to try the August promotion at the La Maison Restaurant.

Roti Jala with chicken curry is available from 2pm to 7pm at RM8++ per serving.

Literally translated as the net bread, roti jala is very popular during Ramadan.

For non-fasting guests, this makes a great snack. Diners can also enjoy the Express Set Lunch with a choice of chicken rice, nasi goreng kampung, chicken burger or beef kuay teow priced at RM12++ per person.

For reservations, call 03-2692 9298 ext 8094.

Nando’s buka puasa promotion

At Nando’s one can look forward to not just a good selection of food but a healthier food experience when breaking fast.

This Ramadan, starting from Aug 11 from 5pm onwards Nando’s will be serving their Ramadan Peri-Ria meal.

Start off the feasting with the Ramadan Peri – Ria meal is a main course of Nando’s signature Peri-Peri Flame Grilled ¼ Chicken with your choice of 2 sidelines. The meal comes with a bottomless soft drink and finish off the meal with a decadent Choc Truffle.

The Ramadan Peri-Ria meal is available at all Nando’s restaurants nationwide for RM23.90.

CHINA WOK, A3-G1-3A, Solaris Dutamas (Mont Kiara),1 Jalan Dutamas, KL (Tel:03-6207 9598). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-9pm) (Non-Halal). Homemade delicious recipes including Fish Head Noodles, Charcoal Roasted Duck & Char Siew, Award Winning Chicken Rice, Curry Fish Head and Claypot LaLa Pepper Soup.

MARCHE, The Curve, Lot G87, ground floor, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03-7727 8461. Business Hrs: 11am to 11pm, daily. Offers diners a true-to-life Swiss dining experience. Among the items to look forward to are deep-fried calamari, prawns and vegetables, featuring Marche’s very own unique batter recipe as well as crisp salads, tasty rösti and drinking freshly-pressed juices.

SENTIDOS TAPAS, Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL (Tel: 03-2145 3385). Business Hrs: Daily (noon-1am). Pork-free. Offers a relaxed atmosphere with a tantalising selection of hot and cold tapas. There is an extensive wine list and a range of imported beers.

LA COCINA & COPA DE VINO, 38 USJ 9/5P, UEP Subang Jaya (Tel: 03-8023 2395). Business Hrs: Restaurant, Mon-Sun, lunch (11am-3pm); dinner (6pm-midnight). Bar, Mon-Sat (5pm-1am). Halal. Indulge in a variety of authentic Spanish food in a comfortable and romantic environment. There is a wide selection of wines from Spain and all over the world. Salsa dance performances are on every Friday night.

JOGOYA, T3, Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL (Tel: 03-2142 1268). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-2am). A Taiwanese chain specialising in brunch, lunch, dinner and supper buffets, priced at RM68++, RM78++ and RM88++ with a wide spread of seafood, Japanese, Western, Chinese and Indian dishes.

MUNAKATA JAPANESE RESTAU-RANT, Mezzanine Floor, Life Centre, 20, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL (Tel: 03-2166 7441). Business Hrs: Daily, lunch (12.30-2.30pm); dinner (6.30pm-11pm). Pork-free. Serves authentic and premium sushi, teppanyaki, a la carte and seasonal dishes. Set lunch and dinner also available.

BASIL LEAF RESTAURANT, 35 Jalan Damai, off Jalan Tun Razak, KL (Tel: 03-2166 1689). Business Hrs: Monday to Fri- lunch (noon-2.30pm); dinner (6.30pm-10.30pm), Sat (dinner only), closed on Sunday. Relax while you eat here, enjoying Thai and Indo-Chinese cuisine. Bungalow is divided into six sections, separately themed for value-added dining experience.

RESTORAN ZENITH, Block B, 3-LG-1, Megan Corporate Park, Taman Desa Petaling, KL (Tel: 03-9056 3668). Business Hrs: Mon-Sat (10.30am-10pm). Halal. Menu consists of mainly Chinese dishes, ranging from conventional fried noodles to creative nouveau cuisine. Includes a few Malay and Western specialities.

PENANG NYONYA RESTAURANT, Lot S28, 2nd Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama Damansara, PJ (Tel: 03-7728 6078). Business Hrs: Daily (10am-10pm). Halal. Penang Nyonya fare using specially prepared spices.

THE SHIP JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL, 40-1 & 40-2 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL (Tel: 03-2141 8805) Business Hrs: Sun-Thurs (noon to midnight). Still a hit among locals and foreigners. Serves escargots, Chinatown Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat, steaks in 18 different styles. Wait staff dress according to rank like sailors on a ship.

TONY ROMA’S, LL1.43, Lower Level One, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, PJ (Tel: 03-7492 1188). Business Hrs: Daily (11am-10pm). The people at Tony Roma’s are passionate about their food, adhering to standards set by the Orlando training centre. Expect hefty portions and enjoy the selection of margaritas, wines, martinis and liqueur coffees.

VINCENZO RISTORANTE ITALIANO, One Bangsar, Jalan Ara, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 03-2287 1686). Business hours: Noon to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily. From dainty appetisers like the Prawn Cocktail, Smoked Salmon and Beef Carpaccio to hearty mains like the Roasted Leg of Lamb with Thyme Jus and the Seafood Termidor, there is something for everyone.

VANSH, Lot 9, LGF, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL (Tel: 03-2142 6162). Business Hrs: Daily (noon-1am). Pork-free. Run by the award-winning Rang Mahal outfit of Singapore. Highlights regional Indian favourites. Focuses on tawa and tandoori delicacies served in bite-sized portions.

THE SULTANI RESTAURANT, Level 5, Hotel Flamingo, Tasik Ampang, Jalan Hulu Kelang, Ampang. (Tel : 03 4251 7460 or 012-2959060) The Sultani is a fine dining restaurant serving Royal Mughali and Iranian cuisine. Specialties include Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer and Rani Akhbari. Our Iranian cuisine is famous for its Joojeh Kebab and Koobidah Kebab.

GONBEI, T2, Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL (Tel: 03-2782 3801). Business Hrs: Daily (noon-1am). Halal. Uniquely Japanese, food, design and ambience-wise. It has a sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, robatayaki and tempura display cooking islands. Reputed to have the biggest collection of premium sake.

• To submit food listings and food-related queries, email to metrocfood@gmail.com or call 03-79671388 ext 1322 (Esther Chandran).

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/

Signature dish a hit at Citi Cafe

By FAZLEENA AZIZ
fazleena@thestar.com.my
Photos by ART CHEN

CITI Cafe,
Cititel Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur,
Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2296 1124
Business Hours: Daily.

CITI Cafe at Cititel Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur is having a scrumptious spread of local and international dishes for Ramadan.

The buka puasa buffet dinner is held daily till Sept 9.

Enjoy your dinner: Sous chef Mohd Nor Yacob welcomes patrons to their scrumptious dishes at Cititel Mid Valley

Food is prepared fresh with over 60 dishes and menus rotated daily.

Sous chef Mohd Nor Yacob said among their signature dishes were Asam Pedas Ekor (oxtail) and Sup Ekor, which people come in search of every year.

He said they would be having a whole lamb alongside Nasi Briyani and Nasi Bukhari.

“We have added many local dishes in the buffet spread like Ikan Keli Goreng Cili, Masak Lemak Tempoyak and Ayam Percik, which are from different states.

For starters: Thai Prawn Salad with Pomelo is a good way to start.

“When making these dishes you need the right ingredients.

“For example, if you were making Asam Tempoyak, you would use ikan patin and Lemak Tempoyak will need ikan jelawat.

“We have tried to stick to the traditional way of preparing the dishes,” he said.

Patrons can start off the meal with appetisers such as Kerabu Nangka Muda, Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kerabu Jantung Pisang, Thai Beef Salad and Kerabu Belimbing Buluh.

Some of the all-time favourite dishes include Rendang Daging Minang, Udang Masak Lemak Belimbing Buluh, Ikan Bawal Masak Tomato, Ayam Masak Merah Bermadu, Sambal Sotong Petai, Kailan Ikan Masin, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Mussel Thermidos and Pan-Fried Salmon with Terriyaki.

For authentic kampung flavours, Cititel is dishing out Lemang, Ikan Keli Goreng Berlada, Daging Salai Masak Lemak with Pisang Muda, Ikan Bawal Perchik Kelantan, Ekor Asam Pedas, Ikan Patin Masak Lemak Tempoyak and Nasi Kerabu.

A special grilled and deep-fried station is also set up with ikan pari, ikan terubuk, kerepok lekor, cucur udang, satay and otak-otak daun nipah to choose from.

Signature dish: Asam Pedas Ekor is a different way of preparing oxtail.

Desserts feature a selection of local kuih like cakes, puddings and cookies like Sago Gula Melaka, Dodol, Tapai Pulut, Tapai Ubi, Bubur Cha-Cha and Pengat Pisang to name a few.

The buffet is available from 7pm to 10pm and priced at RM70 nett (adult) and RM35 nett (child).

From Sept 3 to 9, patrons will only need to pay RM55 nett (adult) and RM27.50 (child) for the buffet.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/

Cafe serves a fine mix for Ramadan spread

By OH ING YEEN
ingyeen@thestar.com.my
Photos by SIA HONG KIAU

PALM HILL CAFE,
Putrajaya Shangri-La,
Taman Putra Perdana,
Precinct 1, Putrajaya
Tel: 03-8887 8882
Ramadan buffet is from 7pm to 10.30pm.

FEAST on local delights and a selection of Western cuisines at the Ramadan Buffet at Palm Hill Cafe, Putrajaya Shangri-La.

Executive chef Robert Rashdan Storum and his team of 25 chefs are cooking up a storm this Ramadan with five rotating menus.

For starters, there is a variety of kerabu and salads such as Ulam, Daun Salad Bercampur dari Cameron Highlands, Jantung Pisang Rebus and many more.

Heading the team: Robert Rashdan Storum and 25 chefs prepare dishes for buffet daily.

Good news for those who love Western food as the hotel decided to include it in the buffet due to feedback from customers.

Treat your tastebuds to Pan Fried John Dory Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce, Oven Roasted Boneless Chicken Leg with BBQ Sauce, Slow-Roasted Beef with Grain Mustard Sauce and Garlic Mash Potato.

The Cream of Mushroom Soup did not disappoint either. There is also a pasta and pizza station.

Local dishes offered are Ayam Masak Madu, Kari Kepala Ikan, Gulai Lemak Telur Itik, Kurma Kambing Bersama Ubi Kentang, Sambal Tumis Udang dan Petai, Yong Tau Foo and so on.

The chef’s special is Whole Roasted Lamb Marinated with Sauce and Briyani Rice.

Delicious: Pan Fried John Dory Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce is one of the four Western hot dishes served.

You can choose from an array of hawker food items such as Penang Char Kuay Teow, Mee Mamak, Murtabak, Roti Canai, Roti John and many more at the live action stalls.

For seafood lovers, make your way to the prawns and mussels on ice and the Grilled Fish Station.

Desserts include cakes, dodol and local kuih such as Kuih Talam, Kuih Lapis, Koleh Kacang, Badak Berendam and so on.

There is also an Ice Kacang station. Don’t forget to have ice-cream to go with it.

The Serawa Durian is a must-try. Other bubur offered are Bubur Pulut Hitam and Pengat Pisang.

Quench your thirst with teh tarik, Nescafe tarik, cincau, sirap bandung, soya bean and air tebu.

Deep sea pleasures: Seafood on ice will delight seafood lovers.

The Dillenia Gazal Asli group will be performing live during Ramadan.

The Ramadan buffet dinner is priced at RM80++ per person. Children between six and 11 years-old get 50% off and those below six (dining with parents) can dine for free.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/news/

East Meets West menu at Tea salon

By BAVANI M
bavanim@thestar.com.my
Photos by ONG SOON HIN

HARRODS WORLD SIGNATURE SHOP & TEA SALON,
Lot. No 137, first floor,
Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2166 6000
Business hours: Daily; 8.30am to 10pm.

The man himself: Harrods chef de cuisine Tony Cham.

THOSE with a taste for the finer things in life would certainly appreciate the dining experience at the Harrods Tea Salon in KLCC.

With its Georgian-inspired décor of exquisite wood panelling, dark chairs teemed with moss green cushions, the verandah-like setting of the tea salon, plus a picturesque view of the park are hugely seductive to begin with.

For this fasting month, Harrods is offering special Ramadan menus to its customers who seek to enjoy a relaxing environment for buka puasa. However, unlike last year, this time they are offering a different menu each day to enable diners to relish a variety of dishes to enhance their experience.

At a recent sampling of their Ramadan menu, Harrods chef de cuisine Tony Cham offered two main courses, one soup, and two types of desserts for us to try.

We started with soup, Carrot and Date Soup to be precise. The creamy texture of carrots, and the sweetness of the dates provided a lingering taste to the tongue. Verdict: Not bad.

Tantalising: Barbecued Chicken with Sumak served with briyani rice and greens.

But it was served cold, hence one can only imagine how it would have been if it was enjoyed hot.

Next we tried the Pan Fried Dory Fillet with Curry Leaf and Mustard Seed Sauce. It was served with glazed carrots, fennel and potatoes. I liked this dish very much. What’s good about the fish is that it was pan fried with just salt and pepper before it was oven baked.

So when we tried it — the original flavour of the fish was retained and when enjoyed with mustard seed sauce it was just nice. Simple and divine.

The Barbecued Chicken with Sumak came next and was enjoyed immensely. A whole leg of chicken is marinated with Middle Eastern Spices and served with Briyani Rice.

Posh: The Georgian inspired Harrods tea salon at KLCC

The meat was tender and soft and flavourful — due to the many different types of herbs and spices used.

Since the Ramadan menu is based on the East Meets West theme, chef Cham used ingredients from both worlds.

Sweet endings: End the meal with Little Lemon Tartlets and Cream Vanilla Panna Cotta served with berries

“Sumaq – a dark purple berried spice is used to flavour the chicken, together with paprika, rosemary, cumin, and coriander which are mixed together as a marinade for the chicken,’’ Cham said.

He added that the chicken was marinated for 48 hours before it was grilled and roasted in an oven. It was then glazed with barbecue sauce and served with carrots, fennel and greens.

We ended our meal with Little Lemon Tartlets and Cream Vanilla Panna Cotta served with berries and Harrods Teh Tarik.

Simply delicious! My advice, don’t leave without trying the tartlets, they are exquisite!

The Ramadan Buka Puasa Specials are priced at RM90 per person with two main course selection, and buffet appertisers and dessert choices which are prepared daily by the chef.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/news/

An extensive buffet spread for Ramadan

By JADE CHAN
jade@thestar.com.my
Photos by P. NATHAN

SWEZ BRASSERIE,
Eastin Hotel,
13 Jalan 16/11,
Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7628 7397

THE newly refurbished Swez Brasserie at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya, is all set to welcome diners this Ramadan.

The outlet is putting together an extensive buffet spread featuring local specialities, Japanese, Chinese and Western favourites, as well as a selection of Middle Eastern fare.

Japanese cuisine: Salmon Manis Sashimi and condiments.

Among the house recommendations are Stuffed Arabic Whole Lamb, Chicken and Beef Satay, Burung Puyuh Goreng Berkunyit, Salmon Fish Head Curry, Siput Sedut Masak Manis, Udang Perchik, Kong Poh Prawns, and Nasi Briyani.

Seafood lovers should make a beeline for the fresh seafood on ice, which offers items like Poached Tiger Prawns, Oysters and Mussels.

Those who must have their greens can take their pick from Mixed Seafood Salad, Greek Salad, Grilled Vegetable with Balsamic Dressing, Peppercorn Lyoner with Pickles, or Ulam-Ulam with Sambal Belacan.

For dishes that are traditionally available during the Ramadan and Hari Raya season, look out for the Bubur Lambuk, Sup Gearbox, Serunding, and Seafood or Vegetable Tempoyak.

Those who cannot get enough of Japanese cuisine can go for the Assorted Sushi and Sashimi platter, while the Western section offers dishes like Lamb Chops, Spring Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, and Salmon with Bearnaise Sauce.

Eastin Hotel executive chef Jean Marc Veron’s personal favourite is the Beef Ribs Rendang, which is prepared by Malay Banquet chef Zainudin Hashim, though Veron is also able to cook the same dish at his own home.

House recommendation: Siput Sedut Masak Manis

Zainudin’s preference is the Prawn Tempoyak and Murtabak; the latter has either chicken, beef or vegetable fillings.

Over at the live cooking stations, diners can watch as items like Roti Jala, Satay, Grilled Fish, Lok-Lok and Ice Kacang being prepared right before their eyes.

Swez Brasseries’s three rotating menus include additional dishes like Braised Lamb Foo Chuk, Lamb Stew, Stir Fried Beef with Ginger and Spring Onion, Baked Fish with Herb Crust, Beef Lasagna, Ayam Goreng Kampung, Ayam Masak Merah, Kari Kambing, Sayur Goreng Aneka and Ketam Goreng Bercili.

For sweet endings, choose from a variety of desserts like Durian Cheese Cake, Coconut Custard Fudge Cake, Strawberry Mousse, Mixed Fruits Jelly, Panacotta, Dark Cherry Swiss Roll, Fruit Tartlets, and local fruits.

Eastin Hotel Sales and Marketing director Ursula Fernandez highlighted that the refurbished Swez Brasserie now has a hip, jazzy and contemporary ambience with a touch of serenity.

Hot off the grill: Chicken and Beef Satay are among the items prepared at the live cooking stations.

“The vertical garden and water feature add a nature feel, while the skylight element has also been enhanced,” she said.

The restaurant has a seating capacity of 190, including a room for private functions that can cater for up to 50 diners.

Swez Brasserie’s “Ramadan in the City” buffet is priced at RM88++ for adults and RM48++ for children.

It is available from 6.30pm till 10.30pm, from now till Sept 9.

Eastin Hotel has also set up a DIY batik painting corner outside Swez Brasserie, whereby diners with a minimum spend of RM100 or above in a single receipt will get to participate and stand a chance to win attractive prizes.

Alternatively, visit the batik merchandise stall that showcases a selection of batik apparel, paintings, bags and handicrafts.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/news/

Restaurant serves authentic specialities

By TAN KARR WEI
karrwei@thestar.com.my

PLANTERS’ INN RESTAURANT,
Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2146 3820/3821

MANY Malaysians would identify themselves with a kampung and each place would have their very own specialty dishes.

“That is why we themed our Ramadan Buffet this year Kampung and we will feature more than 200 dishes daily,” said Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur chef Ishak Said during a preview of its buffet at the Planters’ Inn Restaurant.

Sweet temptations: Be spoiled for choice with the variety of cakes and local kuihs at the dessert bar.

Ishak, who hails from Serdang in Kedah, said he would get recipes for authentic Malay dishes from his sisters, aunts and other relatives.

“I would then adapt the recipe to cater to our guests.

“Some of the dishes, especially from the northern states, could be quite spicy so I would tone it down,” he said.

He said many dishes from different states looked the same but actually had their own different tastes.

“For example, dishes from Kedah and Penang are almost the same but the Kedah dishes are more Malay while the Penang has its mamak influences,” he said.

Fiery: Freshly cooked fried kueh teow is available at one of the live action stalls.

For the buffet, Ishak recommended the Popiah Basah, which was a special item from Penang.

“We also have a good Beef Rendang which goes well with either the white rice or Nasi Minyak,” he said.

He added that the other must-try dishes were the Ikan Asam Pedas from Malacca and the Udang Masak Lemak Cili Padi from Negeri Sembilan.

There were also stalls set up outside the restaurant with grilled meats including roasted venison, which would be available for the fasting month.

For the grill: Choose your favourite type of fish and the chef will grill it for you.

“Our Ikan Bakar is marinated with a special herb and goes with the Air Assam (tamarind juice),” he said.

The buffet is priced at RM98++ per adult and RM49++ per child aged four to 12 years old.

To add variety to the spread, Ishak said that they also served Japanese, Chinese and Western food.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/

One World Hotel Ramadan buffet offers a wide spread

By Tho Xin Yi
thoxinyi@thestar.com.my

CINNAMON COFFEE HOUSE,
One World Hotel, First Avenue,
Bandar Utama City Centre,
47800 Petaling Jaya
Business hours: 6.00am-1.00am daily.

THE best thing about Ramadhan buffets are the luscious spread.

Spoiled for choice, our Citarasa 1Malaysia buka puasa feast at Cinnamon Coffee House of One World Hotel started with assorted kerabu and rojak.

Then, we moved on to chicken rice and noodle soup before helping ourselves to scoops of nasi ulam and slices of lemang.

Succulent: A chef carving the Roasted Whole New Zealand Lamb with Briyani.

Not to be missed either was the Roasted Whole New Zealand Lamb with Briyani.

There was also a counter for grilling and we happily picked some slices of stingray to be grilled on the hot plate.

A chef was “pulling” teh tarik at a corner, tempting us to get cups of the frothy beverage and enjoy it with pisang goreng and fried sweet potatoes.

Of course, the buffet spread offered much more than what was mentioned.

Other than the Malay, Chinese and Indian delights, international favourites like sushi, sashimi, cold cuts and chilled seafood were available too.

I was particularly intrigued by a big ‘bowl’ near the salad counter and was amazed when told it was actually a block of Parmesan cheese.

A chef was on hand to demonstrate the best way to assemble the salad.

First, he placed some leafy greens in the centre of the Parmesan bowl, followed by pine nuts and shredded cheese.

Then, using the wooden spatulas, he tossed the ingredients together, scraping the Parmesan cheese bowl lightly while at it.

Sweet tooth: Indulge in traditional desserts like kek lapis.

This left the leaves and nuts coated with the flavour of the cheese.

From the main dishes, Chef Zaleha Asmael recommended Ayam Masak Palembang and Ikan Talapia Masak Berlada, a recipe she inherited from her mother.

“These simple yet authentic dishes are easy to prepare.

“For Ayam Masak Palembang, shallots, lemongrass, lengkuas, red chilli and buah keras are blended then sauteed. After adding turmeric powder and coconut milk, I cook the gravy until it is thick. Chicken and turmeric leaves are added last,” she said.

The Ikan Talapia Masak Berlada featured deep-fried marinated fish cooked in a gravy made of lemongrass, shallot, red chilli, chilli sauce and chilli paste.

The chefs also prepared Kambing Tumis Darat Bernangka, Ayam Masak Palembang, Ekor Lembu Masak Asam Pedas Merah, Udang Sambal Petai Muar and much more in the extensive menu.

The dessert choices reflected an affinity for sweet tooth, with assorted Malay kuih, agar-agar, pudding, bahulu and pastries arranged on the counter.

Fresh as can be: Shellfish on a bed of ice are part of the extensive buffet spread.

The buffet dinner is priced at RM98++ (adult) and RM49++ (child).

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.

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Credits to and source taken from: http://kuali.com/